Mets closer will not return to a major league mound in 2023, . The two-time All-Star has not suffered a setback, and he will continue to throw bullpen se sions, but the team does not want to jeopardize his health by rushing him back for the tail end of what has become a lost season. When Daz tore his patellar tendon during the World Baseball Cla sic, the Mets were preseason favorites for an NL postseason berth. Six months later, they find themselves two lo ses away from a losing campaign. Daz always hoped to come back during the regular season an ambitious goal, but one within the realm of po sibility. He deserves credit for how effectively he has worked toward that objective. As pitching coach Yency Almonte Jersey told DiComo, the flamethrowing righty has progre sed to a point where he could, theoretically, be back in the majors before the end of the year. Indeed, if the Mets were in a more competitive position, he might have already made his return. However, Hefner expre sed concern about the star closer re-aggravating his leg injury while running to make a defensive play or avoiding a comebacker to the mound. Thus, Daz will have to wait until next March to pitch another game at Citi Field. New York may not be playing for much this September, but it still comes as disheartening news that Daz wont rejoin the pen. Mets relievers rank 13th in the National League with a 4.53 ERA and last with -0.1 FanGraphs WAR. They have had particular trouble since the trade deadline, pitching to a 5.68 ERA and -0.4 fWAR. In addition to Daz, and are on the injured list, while was dealt to Miami at the deadline. Meanwhile, four of the eight relievers on the Mets active roster have an ERA over five. This bullpen could certainly use Daz and his electric arm for a morale boost, if nothing else but admittedly, thats hardly a reason to risk his health. He is on track to return at full strength in 2024. Jameson Taillon Jersey